Betsey Martens put it beautifully, "it's all about assuring that Boulder remains an inclusionary community, and that people who have lived in Boulder their whole lives can live their older years here." Many of our city's long-time citizens find that with age they can no longer maintain the homes they have owned for decades, nor can they afford to move into a senior residence facility within Boulder.

It's important that our community supports a variety of affordable housing solutions for seniors. Boulder Housing Partners is doing the vital work of establishing new affordable senior housing. In addition, local nonprofit Boulder County CareConnect (BCCC) provides services to help seniors who wish to remain in their current homes. BCCC's Fix-It program provides minor home repairs and maintenance at no cost to seniors and adults with disabilities. Trained volunteers donate their time and talents to help neighbors in need who do not have the skills, tools or physical abilities to complete a job on their own.

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Last year 246 volunteers completed over 1, 500 minor home repair and outdoor maintenance jobs for local seniors and adults with disabilities. Through Fix-Its subprogram, IceBusters, over 100 additional volunteers helped seniors in the city of Boulder with sidewalk snow removal. The strength of these programs shows Boulder's dedication to keeping this an inclusionary community where everyone can age with dignity.

Boulder Housing Partners and City Council alone cannot address all of the housing needs of our growing senior population, but as a community we can! Learn more about volunteering for Fix-It by calling Boulder County CareConnect at 303-443-1933, or visit careconnectbc.org.

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